Keep seedlings under very bright light to prevent legginess. Artificial lights are ideal, but a bright (ideally, south-facing) room will work for the short term. You may have to pot on seedlings more than once before they go out to allow for root growth. This is done by transplanting them into a slightly larger container with enough additional soil to keep the container mostly full.
Continue ReadingPlanting basil from seed is truly enjoyable. Seeds germinate slowly, a bit faster when heated from below, and basil enjoys hot weather and full sun. Be sure to try Thai basil, holy basil, and Genovese basil — each variety has...
Continue ReadingSow indoors in the winter. An earlier start may result in berries the first year. Start any time between December and the beginning of February. After that time, they will still work, but you will not harvest berries during the first season. Transplant out at least 3 weeks after last frost.
Continue ReadingPeppers are tropical plants that need lots of heat and attention to detail when starting them. Well grown in a warm summer, they are the gardener’s triumph. Interestingly, the hot peppers often do better in a cool summer than the...
Continue ReadingBlack Velvet Rose Geranium seeds should be started indoors in early spring. Once the weather warms up in late spring to early summer, and night time temperatures are steadily above 10°C (50°F), the curious little seedlings can be transplanted outdoors....
Continue ReadingStart indoors in peat or coir pots 8-10 weeks before planting out. Alternately, direct sow in early spring or early autumn. For best results, place the seeds on the surface of pre-moistened soil, and tuck inside a plastic bag.
Continue ReadingCerinthe (AKA Honeywort) is an elegant looking plant that stands out for its unusual habit. Each stem arches upward out forward with a seemingly endless series of purple-blue bell shaped flowers. This plant works very well in larger containers or...
Continue ReadingGrow Sisyrinchium once, and the common name of Blue-Eyed Grass will make complete sense. The leaves of this low growing perennial are quite grass-like, and in summer it comes alive with very delicate blue flowers that seem to appear out...
Continue ReadingOur Dianthus seeds produce hardy perennial plants that are colouful, drought resistant, and bloom in the first year. Learn how to grow Dianthus in our simple online growing instructions. These short growing flowers are widely variable and work well in...
Continue ReadingThere’s no mistaking the colour and stature of annual Zinnias. Follow this handy How to Grow Zinnias from seeds guide below and grow some colour in your garden this summer. When I Get My Seedling HomeKeep seedlings under very bright...
Continue ReadingThyme, like other woody-stemmed herbs, tends to grow very slowly, and benefits from an early start if grown from seed. Unlike basil and other annual herbs, you shouldn’t count on harvesting thyme in the first (or even the second) year,...
Continue ReadingSnapdragons are of the genus Antirrhinum also known as dragon flowers. Snapdragon flowers resemble the face of a dragon that opens and closes its mouth when squeezed. Native to rocky areas of of Europe and the United States and north Africa....
Continue ReadingLearn how to grow Chrysanthemums from seed. Perennial plants that regularly undergo name changes, and may be listed as Chrysanthemum, Leucanthemum, Pyrethrum, or Tanacetum. Zone: 4-9 When I Get My Seedling HomeKeep seedlings under very bright light to prevent legginess....
Continue ReadingThe mint family is vast and cross pollination is difficult to control, so many sources suggest that mint will not come true from seed. Our mint seeds are grown in isolation and bred with care in a greenhouse setting. Zone:...
Continue ReadingSimply the best of the many varieties of oregano for cooking. This herb dries well, and retains its strong flavour and aroma if stored correctly. It also flourishes in containers. Zone: Hardy to Zone 5 When I Get My Seedling...
Continue ReadingThe English lavender varieties we offer are variants of the species L. angustifolia. Lavandula stoechas is commonly known as Spanish lavender, and L. dentata is often referred to as French lavender. These nationality-based categories are more confusing than helpful. It’s...
Continue ReadingRosemary is not quite as simple from seed as many other herbs, but it can be achieved by novice gardeners if they take certain precautions. It is a woody perennial that grows slowly, and won’t be ready for harvesting during...
Continue ReadingMarigolds are annual flowers that are easy to grow from seed and resilient. They can be grown in the garden, in containers, and they play a role in Companion Planting. Some even have edible flowers! Learn how to grow Marigolds...
Continue ReadingLemon balm’s Latin name is taken from the Greek word for bee (Melissa), and from the ancient belief that a swarm of honeybees could be attracted to an empty hive simply by placing sprigs of the plant inside. Grow in...
Continue ReadingFamiliar annuals with intensely coloured flowers. Sometimes listed as Edging Lobelia. When I Get My Seedling HomeKeep seedlings under very bright light to prevent legginess. Artificial lights are ideal, but a bright (ideally, south-facing) room will work for the...
Continue ReadingIt’s nice to have one big, reliable sage bush at the corner of the garden. One plant usually provides enough herb for most families, and its flowers are strongly attractive to wild and domesticated bees. Even hummingbirds will stop for...
Continue ReadingChives have been in use as a culinary herb in China since around 3,000 BC. It was Marco Polo who returned westward with the notion that they made good eating, but chives were not popular in European gardens until the 16th century.
Continue ReadingHardy annuals and perennials that are variously known as pansies, Johnny-Jump-Up, and Heartsease. Zone: 3-10 When I Get My Seedling HomeKeep seedlings under very bright light to prevent legginess. Artificial lights are ideal, but a bright (ideally, south-facing) room will...
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When I Get My Seedling Home
Keep seedlings under very bright light to prevent legginess. Artificial lights are ideal, but a bright (ideally, south-facing) room will work for the short term. You may have to pot on seedlings more than once before they go out to allow for root growth. This is done by transplanting them into a slightly larger container with enough additional soil to keep the container mostly full. Keep the soil moist by daily watering and allow for free drainage so the plants are never sitting water.
